We went to the Monterey Bay Aquarium on Monday! What a great time! So much to see! They had a Homeschool Day so off we went! Our favorites were the penguins, sea otters, jellyfish, sun fish, sea dragons, and sharks. The one million gallon tank is incredible! Of course, the touch tanks are always fun! Binky got quite wet trying to pet a bat ray!

October 28, 2008

Daddy and I went sailing Saturday night with my brother-in-law and friends. We had such a good time! It was something out of the ordinary for us, which was great! We headed out right at sunset.

It was beautiful.

I love being out on the water. All your worries seem to disappear and only smiles prevail.

My brother-in-law recently purchased a sailboat so we are looking forward to taking Goose and Binky out into the Bay. I know they will love it! It's a whole other world down at the marina. Everyone is so friendly and easy-going. Life is slower. We had a lot of fun!

October 24, 2008

Once upon a time there was a beautiful mermaid. Her name was Pearl because she loved pearls. She loved pink pearls, purple pearls, and just plain old white pearls. But she liked other things, too, like her pet eel, her sanddollar and fish.

Her favorite things to eat were almonds, cake and ice cream. One day she saw an odd-looking creature in one of the caves by Octopus City. A couple of days later she saw it again. It was a large sea cucumber. Pearl thought it was very cute and wanted to take it home, but a mean old crab said, "You shouldn't."

Pearl said, "Why not?" The crab said, "Because he's a stray." "No he isn't, he's a cutie!" "Whatever!" said the crab and he just kept on walking. The mermaid said, "He's not a very nice crab. Well, let's go home. I'll show you where I live."

"Here's where I live. Are you hungry? I've got peanut butter and jelly." The sea cucumber shook happily. He ate ten sandwiches! "Oh, I forgot, what should I name you? How about Peta- Peta -Sandwich -Eater?" He liked it, so that's what Pearl named him and they were happy together!

October 23, 2008

We just returned home from our second family funeral in a month. The first was quite a shock and this last one was something we were prepared for. Still... it's never easy to deal with. I am emotionally exhausted. Goose and Binky did so well through it all. I was so proud of them. I know it's hard for them to see mommy so upset. For both trips we let the kids have some fun! We went to Disneyland and we went swimming. It helped take our minds off things for a little while. I feel like now I will be able to finally do some real grieving. Being with the kids all day really helps! I find myself looking at everything in a new way. Appreciating everything more, being present more than ever.

October 17, 2008

Binky's 2nd tooth fell out the other day. Well, actually, I may have helped it a little. It was just dangling there so I asked if I could see how loose it was. I grabbed on to it and gave the slightest tug and there it was in my hand! No pain involved. Yeah! Binky was having a hard time eating because the tooth was so loose and just hanging there. Yes, the tooth faerie did arrive during the night, even though Binky had left his bed and come to mommy and daddies bed, leaving his tooth pillow in his room. It's a good thing the tooth faerie really only needs the tooth to leave a gift!

October 16, 2008

My last post today! I have been trying to catch up! Goose and I made some dancing scarecrows the other day and here they are! I found the idea and template at Nini Makes. We had a good time and I think we'll make some more this weekend. I have been trying to get Binky to finish his but he'd much rather play legos. No surprise there!!!

Another Wednesday of classes. Goose is still sorting in her class. Binky's class finished their water works and moved on to magnets and what is and isn't magnetic. The class is quite simple. I think Binky might get bored with the projects if they don't progress more quickly. But seeing his friends is all the encouragement he needs to go to class. I just love watching them with their friends. Goose has made a few new friends through the class and found out that they belong to the same homeschool group we do. Obviously we haven't made it recently to any of the get-togethers. But! We are definitely going this Monday because Goose's friends will be there, too! It feels like things are falling into place... for now.

Today we went to Muir Woods. It is one of my favorite places on the planet! Absolutely beautiful! The forest is on the coast amid ancient redwoods. We are talking ancient! We arrived early to beat the crowds. Doesn't matter what time of year or what day of the week, it is always crowded! At one point we stopped and did some nature journaling. We even saw a river otter in the creek! It was so cute! It even came out of the water and looked up at us. Then dove back in and found some fish to eat. Goose and Binky were so thrilled! We had to cut our hike short because of some yellow jackets and some posted warnings. Once the kids heard about the warnings it was time to go! After our last hike a few weeks ago, the kids were not going any further. No problem, we had already been there a good hour, seen the otter and some deer, did some journaling. I was happy! Enjoy the beauty!!!!